Johnnie St. Vrain: Longmont homeowner is allowed to keep Ron Paul sign up

Posted:
05/17/2013 07:41:20 PM MDT

Updated:
05/17/2013 07:43:37 PM MDT

Dear Johnnie: Is it legal for homeowners to still display political signs on their property?

Every day as I drive busy Third Avenue, I see a large banner saying "Ron Paul Revolution" posted on the back of a house (on Fourth Avenue). Obviously, the homeowner is not pleased with the current state of national politics, but the elections are over.

Shouldn't the sign come down? -- No Advertising, Please

Dear No Advertising: Have you checked to see if the Christmas lights are still up?

Yes. It is legal for homeowners to display political signs, even if the political season is behind us. In fact, the Longmont municipal code specifically allows a homeowner one ideological sign on his property. That sign can be 12 square feet.

"There's no permit needed," code-enforcement officer Shannon Stadler told me. "As long as it's not obscene or derogatory. ... A lot of stuff is protected under free speech."

And what does obscene or derogatory mean?

"As long as someone doesn't put up a sign with a threat or targeting obscene language at a particular person," Stadler said. "Ideological signs are allowed by the sign code and by free speech. Cities cannot regulate free speech per se but can regulate how it's delivered, so long as it's uniform for everyone."

No Advertising, if you are interested in learning more about Longmont's sign ordinances and you have an evening to spare, look up the city's sign code online.

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